Wearing SEANC blue at her victory
party on May 8, Linda Coleman joined
a festive crowd that included her state
employee family to celebrate her landslide
victory for the Democratic nomination
for lieutenant governor.
Coleman’s victory was not just a 56
to 44 percent landslide win over primary
challenger and state Sen. Eric Mansfield
(D-Cumberland). She earned herself a
place in North Carolina’s history books
as the first African-American woman to
be the nominee for lieutenant governor.
SEANC members should stand proud
that they helped win this civil rights victory.
In her acceptance speech, Coleman
thanked SEANC saying, “We stand for
working families, and I will never back
away from that as one of my core values!”
SEANC decided early in the primary
process to support Linda Coleman, who
in 2005 single-handedly held up the state
budget in support of vital public services
and the people who provide them. As
director of the state personnel office,
she led implementation of Executive
Order 45, which provides a partnership
between managers and employees to
produce cost-efficiencies, improve
morale and strengthen communication
in state agencies.
Her door has always been open for
state employees because she is a champion
of those who need one — the working
families who make up the 99 percent.
SEANC and the Service Employees
International Union spent more than
$300,000 on TV and radio commercials,

yard signs and direct mail pieces in
support of the Coleman campaign.
Several reports in the media credited
SEANC’s support for Coleman as the
key to her victory, while her opponent
failed to gain traction with his meanspirited attacks.
Coleman will have to wait until this
summer to learn who her opponent will
be in the November election for lieutenant
governor. None of the Republican
challengers met the 40 percent threshold
to win the GOP nomination.

SEANC Candidates Win Big
Coleman wasn’t the only winner
on primary night that was endorsed
by SEANC’s nonpartisan Employee
Political Action Committee (EMPAC).
As of press time, 21 of the 27 SEANCendorsed General Assembly candidates
won their primary battles.

District 5
District 10
District 22
District 25
District 26
District 32
District 33
District 45
District 48

*SEANC congratulates these candidates,
who won election outright on May 8 and
do not face an opponent in the November
general election.

A number of the candidates such as
state Reps. Rosa Gill and Yvonne Holley
(both D-Wake) are on their way to the
General Assembly having no opposed
candidates in the general election.
President Charles Johnson was thrilled
to watch the EMPAC wins come in over
the television. Johnson said, “Having
champions of workers elected is a huge
step forward for North Carolina.”

tdavis@seanc.org

President’s Message
By Charles Johnson

f

SEANC President

Retirement Security with a Side of Wisdom
Sometimes, if you are lucky, a key moment of life inspiration
pops into an otherwise ordinary day.
My friend and I were out for lunch recently. When we were
being seated at our table, I looked to my left and noticed two
elderly ladies sitting nearby. One of the ladies smiled at me and
said, “You guys ready to eat? We sure are!” And just like that,
my friend and I stumbled into an unexpected lunch date. What
followed was one of the best conversations I’ve had in a very
long time.
These ladies could have
been my grandmother. They
were distinguished, spry and
incredibly articulate. Both
were retired state employees
having grown up in the South.
It was clear that they had both
worked hard throughout life.
While enjoying our lunch,
there were many smiles and
much laughter as we discussed
things we all had in common.
It did not take long for the
Johnson
conversation to turn to children
and grandchildren. One of the ladies told us about a recent
conversation with her young granddaughter where she ended
up explaining what retirement was, and how Social Security
works. The little girl seemed worried but her grandmother
comforted her and said, “Don’t worry, baby, I’ll be just fine.”
The conversation with these two lovely ladies was so
inspirational to me. They represent the very hope that we
all carry to work with us each day — the hope that we will
reach an age where we can rest, reflect and count on the fruits
of our life’s work. SEANC is constantly monitoring retiree
benefits and rights, both through daily advocacy in the General
Assembly and other work like my recent service on the state
Future of Retirement Study Commission. Here at SEANC, we
know that our work to protect working families is not only for
the here and now — but also for their well-being down the
road toward retirement.
This is why we must continue the fight to move our policy
platform forward. We must continue the struggle to maintain
our retirement security. We must protect quality public services

2

The Reporter • June 2012

and the middle class people that provide them. Workers from
the private and public sectors must work together focusing on
the things we all have in common and raising the standard of
living for everyone.
Right now, the ground we may lose will be our children’s
fight – but the ground we have already lost is our current fight.
We have to restore the honor in working hard to be able to
live reasonably in retirement. As a state employee, you should
be able to work hard, plan well and one day be able to enjoy a
good lunch with a couple of young folks.
Before ending our lunch, we agreed that we would meet these
ladies for another meal in nine years. Same place, same time. I’ll
have every hope of picking up the tab with my own retirement
check. Brothers and sisters, let’s get inspired — I certainly am!

Advertising Policy
SEANC accepts advertising material from companies and persons
seeking to communicate with SEANC members. Acceptance of this
advertising does not indicate SEANC approval or endorsement of any
representation that the message, product or service is as represented
by the advertiser. SEANC accepts no responsibility and shall not be
liable for any use of or reliance on any such information, product or
service. SEANC is a private entity and is under no obligation to carry
advertisements of any nature, political or otherwise, that may be viewed
as contrary to the interests of the association and its membership.

PUBLIC POLICY

Unwise Outsourcing of Prison Health Care
The following excerpt is from an opinion piece published in the
News & Observer on April 25 on the state Department of Public
Safety’s decision to request bids from corporations for privatization of
prison medical services.

Medical Services Inc. and
Prison Health Services, have
been under investigation in
several states. A recent report
on their handling of services in
Idaho said it constituted “cruel
by Dana Cope
and unusual punishment.”
SEANC Executive Director
Private prison companies
Hiring private contractors to take over the state’s prison
health care system is a bad move for North Carolina and make money by keeping costs
for all of us in the state who pay taxes. Privatization won’t down among a set of patients
save money, and if other states are a guide, initial low-ball who, on average, are sicker
bids and multiple malpractice suits will push the state’s costs than people who are not in
Cope
prison. These companies
even higher.
Deliberate understaffing at Central Prison has led to many misrepresent medical records, fail to treat common
negative outcomes. But it looks like the Perdue administration problems that lead to more significant problems and treat
would rather scapegoat 2,500 prison medical professionals problems incorrectly. The business model is to put off
care until the person is out of
than acknowledge its own
the system, where someone
culpability and fix the
problems.
“North Carolina can and should else foots the bill. That’s a win
for the company.
Let’s call this privatization
say
‘No’
to
privatizing
prison
But that win is a problem
proposal what it is — either
for
states with privatized prison
a leadership failure or a
medical care. Turning prison
and would be a problem
sweetheart deal for a private
medical care over to big business care
for North Carolina, too. Exprison contractor with job
will make taxpayers sick.”
convicts with medical problems
promises to high-ranking
end up getting their care paid
lame-duck politicians and
political appointees looking for a parachute because the boss for by the taxpayer.
Even the state of Texas — where privatization is a
decided to forgo another term.
Privatization will put a sign at our borders telling out- hallowed word — caught itself. Republican legislators in
of-state companies to come on in and haul away piles of Texas took time to see all the problems with outsourcing
prison medical care. So, this year, after Gov. Rick Perry
taxpayer dollars.
Despite the lack of evidence in other states that pushed, lawmakers pushed back. The impetus? Perry had
outsourcing saves money, the Department of Public Safety received an influx of campaign contributions from private
decided to look at privatization as a way to cut costs. States prison lobbyists and CEOs.
Now that the governor has signaled she will explore
that have turned medical care over to for-profit companies
privatization,
look for job promises from prison medical
find themselves in the middle of negligent care lawsuits. It’s
care companies to political appointees and lucrative lobbying
happened in Florida, New York and New Jersey.
The Perdue administration views privatization as a fig leaf contracts for well-connected Democratic operatives with
to cover up its incompetent management of the system. Eager ties to the governor. It will be hard for appointees with
to look like it’s doing something — anything — to fix the pending job losses to resist giving in, despite the evidence
problem, the governor asked for privatization proposals from that taxpayers lose when prison health care is turned over
companies big enough to handle a system that now spends to big business. North Carolina can and should say “No” to
privatizing prison medical care. Turning prison medical care
$244 million caring for 40,000 prisoners in 70 facilities.
But the companies big enough to handle North Carolina’s over to big business will make taxpayers sick.
system aren’t good at it. Corizon Healthcare might bid, but
the two companies that merged to create it, Correctional dcope@seanc.org
The Reporter • June 2012

3

PUBLIC POLICY

Quotes to Note

“They might be well-intended,
but they do not have any
weight behind them. We don’t
want to put our faith into a trust
situation with the bosses.”

SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope, referring to
the Guiding Principles proposed by the UNC Board
of Governors to replace the State Personnel Act
rights for university employees, in an April 19 story
“UNC-system President Ross to meet with workers
to discuss Senate Bill 575” in The Daily Tar Heel

“There are approximately 400
housekeeping employees who have
the expectation of being treated
respectfully and fairly, of working in
an environment free from threats,
intimidation and harassment, and of
being enabled to do their best job
for the University.”
District 25 member James Holman, in the story
“Housekeepers Seeking Fair Treatment” in the
April 2012 edition of Campus BluePrints, a studentrun magazine on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill

“She has fought for the hard
working people in North Carolina.
Now it’s our chance to fight for her.”
SEANC Communications Director Toni Davis,
on the endorsement of Linda Coleman for
lieutenant governor in the May 2 WRAL story
“Challenger: Lt. governor candidate ‘outsourced’
campaign to union”

“Employees’ concerns make
sense. Worry is warranted when
an employer tries to swap one set
of legal protections for a vague
alternative. We doubt that any
UNC administrators took their jobs
without contracts that specified the
terms of their employment.”
District 25 member and UNC-Chapel Hill
Sociology professor Sherryl Kleinman and
colleague from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law
Jeffrey M. Hirsch in the May 7 News & Observer
opinion piece “UNC workers are right to worry”

“We built this PAC, and it’s our job to
advocate for hardworking people
who work for the state.”
SEANC Member Strength Director Kevin
LeCount, standing up for EMPAC’s support of
Linda Coleman for lieutenant governor, in the
May 6 News & Observer article “State workers
group aids Coleman”

SEE-nik. Hard to say.
Easy to join.
CAROLINAS

LARGEST

W AT E R PA R K !

Making benefits count for SEANC Members!
SEANC members enjoy the convenience of using Colonial Life’s Call
Center to apply for coverage over the phone with one of our SEANC
benefit counselors.

District 65 members participated in the 2012 Pitt County American Cancer Society Relay for Life April 27-28, where thousands
of people celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and fought back against the disease. The SEANC Purple and
Gold Crusaders team included District 65 members, their families and their friends, and raised more than $3,900 through
various fundraisers held throughout the year. Pictured, left to right, are Jamie Charles, Katie Gourley, Tanya Cannon, Nicole
Rizos, Alesia Warren, Sanela Pestalic, Dorothy Andrews, Neichelle Bell, Lynn Tuthill, Eastern Region Representative to the
Executive Committee Gloria Highsmith, Taylor Crawford, Holly Suggs, Inga Jones, Tiasia Andrews, Deanne Smith, Adorian
Bell, Stasia Austin, Seth Tuthill, Haley Clayborne, Fred Austin, Lynn Gammell and Jim Gammell.

PHOTO BY BRIENDA HOOKER

District 19
member
Gerald
Greene,
right,
recruits a
new member
at the UNC
Health Care
Benefits and
Services Fair
on April 13.

PHOTO BY STEVE LAWSON

The Reporter, USPS 009-852 (ISSN 1069 2142), is
published nine times a year in the months of February,
March, April, May, June, July, September, November
and December for $2.50 per year, per member, by the
State Employees Association of North Carolina, Inc.,
P.O. Drawer 27727, Raleigh, NC 27611-7727. Periodicals
postage paid at Raleigh, NC, and additional offices.
POSTMASTER
Send address changes to:
THE REPORTER
P.O. Drawer 27727
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6

The Reporter â&#x20AC;˘ June 2012

SEANC President Charles Johnson was on site in
Morganton on April 25 for the ground-breaking of
revitalization efforts at Broughton Hospital. When completed
in 2014, it will be among the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading psychiatric
facilities. The new hospital will house 384 beds and employ
more than 1,100 health care professionals. Here, Johnson
speaks with District 6 member Sherry Helton (center) and
another member.

Submit your District News for publication in
The Reporter by email to reporter@seanc.org.

ELECTION 2012

SEANC Goes to Bat for Linda Coleman
On May 8, North Carolinians made history by nominating and
supporting the first African American woman to run for lieutenant
governor. SEANC endorsed Linda Coleman in the primary battle
and will now move to the general election in November.
Coleman is a champion for public services and working
families. Now, full speed ahead to November.

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“If you’re concerned about
rising costs – where big
business and powerful special
interests get breaks they don’t
need – while families and working
people struggle just to keep up. If
you’re concerned that no one [in Raleigh]
is really looking out for you and watching
your back, then remember – Linda Coleman.”

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Linda Coleman:

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Mailers, placards, yard
signs and television
advertising were also
keys to Linda Coleman’s
election victory.

PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS

PHOTO BY JONATHAN OWENS

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope (center) along with
Legislative Affairs Director Ardis Watkins (second from right)
and lobbyists (from left) Mitch Leonard, Suzanne Beasley and
Chuck Stone welcomed legislators back to Raleigh on May 16 on
opening day of the General Assembly’s short session.

SEANC Lobbyist Chuck Stone speaks with Rep. Pat
Hurley (R-Randolph) on May 16 before the start of the
General Assembly short session. To read more on
SEANC’s lobbying efforts in the legislature, including a
weekly update, visit seanc.org/legislative.

As a start to the usual budget dance between state leaders,
Gov. Beverly Perdue on May 10 released her $20.9 billion
budget recommendations for the
2012-2013 fiscal year.
Her budget recommendations
include raises for active state
employees
and
cost-of-living
adjustments for state retirees.
The base pay raise will be especially
welcome to state employees as the last
such increase was in 2008. SEANC
Executive Director Dana Cope was
interviewed by the Associated Press
about this long overdue proposed
pay raise, saying “After four years of wandering around the
desert, we get a sip of water.”
Perdue’s recommendations are being negotiated with
budget plans from the N.C. House and Senate. SEANC will
continue to keep members informed of the details of the
negotiations. No budget is final until Perdue signs it. Her
recommendations include the following measures.

8

The Reporter • June 2012

Pay raise
n 1.8 percent for all active state employees

Retirement
n Provides $63 million for a 1.9
percent cost-of-living adjustment,
the first increase since 2008
n Keeps current employer
contribution levels in place
n Provides $230 million for a
7.15 percent employer retirement
contribution

Corporate welfare
n Expands the One North Carolina
Fund by $8 million for economic
incentives to be handed out to corporations
Rest assured that as the budget process moves through
the General Assembly, SEANC will be on hand every day
representing public services and the people who provide them.